WhatsApp Not Working on Mac, Why WhatsApp Not Working on Mac?
by Jayasree D
Updated Sep 06, 2023
WhatsApp Not Working on Mac
WhatsApp not working on Mac has been a concerning issue for many users. The problem primarily stems from the lack of a native M1-optimized version of WhatsApp. With the introduction of Apple Silicon chips, many applications have been updated to run efficiently on both Intel and M1 devices. However, WhatsApp has yet to release a dedicated M1 version, which causes compatibility issues.
When you initially install WhatsApp on your Mac, it may work seamlessly. But after some time, you might encounter difficulties in opening the app. This occurs because you are essentially running the generic version of WhatsApp on your M1 Mac, which can lead to performance problems and, in some cases, prevent the app from launching altogether.
To resolve this issue, users are left with the option of waiting for WhatsApp to release a dedicated M1 version of the application. In the meantime, it's essential to ensure your phone and Mac are on the same Wi-Fi network to avoid additional connection errors when attempting to use WhatsApp on your Mac. Until WhatsApp provides a more optimized solution for M1 and M2 devices, users may continue to experience interruptions in their WhatsApp Mac experience.
How to Fix WhatsApp not Working on Mac?
If you're encountering issues with WhatsApp not working on your Mac, there are several steps you can follow to resolve the problem:
Restart Your Mac:
Begin by restarting your Mac. Sometimes, a simple reboot can resolve any temporary glitches or issues that may be causing WhatsApp to malfunction.
Completely Close WhatsApp:
Ensure that WhatsApp isn't running in the background on startup. Use the Activity Monitor on your Mac to completely close WhatsApp. To do this, press Command + Space to open Spotlight Search, type "Activity Monitor," select WhatsApp from the list, and click the X mark to close the app.
Check Wi-Fi Connectivity:
Ensure that your Mac and your mobile phone are connected to the same Wi-Fi network. WhatsApp on your Mac relies on your phone's internet connection, so having them on the same network is crucial for proper functionality.
Check Available RAM:
If you're using a Mac with 8GB of RAM and have several other applications running in the background, it's possible to run out of virtual memory, causing WhatsApp to launch slowly or not at all. Consider closing unnecessary background apps or using third-party tools like ClearMyMac to free up RAM.
Update WhatsApp:
Make sure you have the latest version of WhatsApp installed on your Mac. You can update it from the App Store on your Mac.
Enable Multi-Device Beta: WhatsApp is testing multi-device support that allows you to use WhatsApp on up to four devices without keeping your phone online. If eligible, join the multi-device beta program to improve WhatsApp's functionality on your Mac.
Try WhatsApp Web: If all else fails, you can access WhatsApp from the web. Visit WhatsApp Web, scan the QR code with your phone, and set up WhatsApp in your preferred web browser.
These steps should help you resolve most issues with WhatsApp not working on your Mac, ensuring a smooth and reliable messaging experience.
Why WhatsApp not Working on Mac?
The persistent issue of WhatsApp not functioning correctly on Mac, particularly on devices equipped with the M1 and M2 chips, has been a source of frustration for many users. The root of the problem lies in the absence of a dedicated, M1-optimized version of WhatsApp. In an era where many applications have been updated to seamlessly run on both Intel and M1 devices, WhatsApp's failure to follow suit has resulted in compatibility woes.
Initially, WhatsApp may appear to work smoothly after installation on your Mac. However, as time goes on, you may encounter hiccups in launching the app. This arises from the fact that you are essentially running a generic version of WhatsApp on your M1 Mac, which can lead to performance issues and, in more severe cases, render the app nonfunctional.
What is WhatsApp?
WhatsApp, officially known as WhatsApp Messenger, is a widely used freeware instant messaging and voice-over-IP (VoIP) service. It's owned by the American tech conglomerate Meta Platforms, making it part of the Meta family of companies. This messaging platform allows users to exchange text messages, voice messages, video messages, make voice and video calls, and share various types of content, including images, documents, and user locations. What sets WhatsApp apart is its cross-platform functionality, enabling users to access it on mobile devices and computers, enhancing its versatility for staying connected.
To sign up for WhatsApp, users need a cellular mobile telephone number, which serves as their unique identifier. WhatsApp initially started as an independent company, WhatsApp Inc., based in Mountain View, California. However, it was acquired by Facebook in February 2014 for a staggering sum of approximately US$19.3 billion, making it one of the largest tech acquisitions in history. Since then, WhatsApp has grown exponentially, becoming the world's most popular messaging application, with over 2 billion users worldwide as of February 2020. It has become an integral part of internet communication in various regions globally, including Latin America, the Indian subcontinent, Europe, Africa, and more.
In addition to its standard consumer version, WhatsApp introduced WhatsApp Business, a standalone app tailored for business communication needs. This allows businesses to connect with customers more effectively and efficiently. Overall, WhatsApp's impact on the world of instant messaging and communication has been profound, shaping how people connect and share information across the globe.
Whatsapp Not Working On Mac- FAQs
WhatsApp may not work correctly on M1 and M2 Mac devices due to the lack of a dedicated M1-optimized version of the application. Compatibility issues arise as WhatsApp is running as a generic version on these machines.
To resolve this issue, try restarting your Mac, completely closing WhatsApp using the Activity Monitor, ensuring your phone and Mac are on the same Wi-Fi network, and updating WhatsApp to the latest version.
WhatsApp faces difficulties on these devices because it hasn't released an M1-optimized version. Running the generic version can lead to performance problems.
As of now, WhatsApp has not released a native M1 version, so users must use the generic version on M1 Macs.
WhatsApp may initially work correctly, but issues may arise over time as it continues to run as the generic version on M1 Macs.